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The National Archives is inviting aspiring filmmakers to put our 'Files on film' by entering our short film competition.

The competition, supported by the Friends of The National Archives, is aiming to encourage filmmakers to use our diverse collection of documents and pictures as the inspiration for an original feature. 

Ten documents from the archives, ranging from the floor plan of a 19th century lunatic asylum to a West Indian view of life in post-war Britain, have been put online and entrants will need to use one or more of them as the starting point for a three-minute short film. It could be a character, a line, or the whole document - it is up to you to decide.

For full details of how to enter, terms and conditions and to view the documents, take a look at the competition page.

Entries close on 24 September, 2013 and the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges including Oliver Morley, Chief Executive and Keeper, The National Archives and BAFTA award-winning filmmaker David Katznelson.

The winning entry will be shown on The National Archives' website and will receive a cash prize of £450. One runner-up will receive £200.

For further inspiration, read our blog and watch the video.